Yarnpreneur Profile – Melissa Camp

MC: I like to make cute stuff out of yarn! I mostly crochet nerdy & adorable things, and also design patterns and blog on the side.

JM: Why did you start your business?

MC: Honestly, I started selling online because my hobby was taking over! I’m thankful that people enjoy what I make, because I would be up to my chin in yarn and crochet projects if they didn’t.

JM: What is your favorite thing about being a yarnpreneur™?

MC: I love when customers enjoy my work so much they commission a project from me. It really pushes me to grow as an artist, and often enough I like the result so much that I end up offering it in my shop for others.

JM: What is your least favorite thing about being a yarnpreneur™?

MC: SHIPPING. I hate packaging things up and going to the Post Office. It’s such a hassle – but it’s the second most important thing that I do!

JM: What would you tell (or what advice would you give) someone that wants to be a yarnpreneur™?

MC: Persevere. I see fellow artists give up when things get slow, or they feel burnt out. I felt (and still feel) like that when I first got started. It’s discouraging when you don’t get sales, or don’t attract traffic, or can’t get followers on social media – but never quit! If I had folded when I felt defeated, I wouldn’t be where I am with my craft or my shop. I also found out along the way that other yarnpreneurs are a great resource and are supportive and welcoming to connect with! Reach out and connect with other artists and sellers, they are some of the most encouraging people and are always willing to help you out!

JM: What do you wish you had done differently when you first started your business?

MC: I wish I had thought more about my brand. When I first started, I offered a wide variety of things – knitted hats, scarves, ear warmers, plushes… Way too many things! Once I discovered what I was most passionate about (amigurumi!) and shaped my shop around that, I started receiving more traffic and more sales.

JM: What’s next for you and your business?

MC: I had always dabbled with pattern design, but never had much success with it. Recently, I thought it would be fun to put some limits on my pattern designs, so I bought some 3”x3” craft boxes with the idea to make amigurumi kits with them! It’s really challenging trying to get a whole amigurumi project to fit inside a 3×3 box, but so far I’ve come up with a few projects that are really cute!

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